Charles County Compensation Board Meeting – November 25, 2025

The Charles County Compensation Board convened on November 25, 2025, to review compensation recommendations for several boards, including the Police Accountability Board (PAB) trial boards, Orphans’ Court judges, and the Board of Electrical Examiners. The meeting included a presentation from PAB staff attorney Danielle Mitchell, discussion of workload and compensation equity, and final votes on recommendations.

Agenda & Minutes Correction

• The board initially set an agenda that included approval of minutes, but the minutes were not ready. The agenda was amended to remove the minutes approval before proceeding.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danielle Mitchell, staff attorney for the Police Accountability Board, provided an overview of the trial board process. She explained that trial boards are ad hoc three-member panels (a retired judge or administrative law judge, an officer of equal rank, and a civilian) that hear appeals from officers who contest misconduct findings. Currently, the county pays non-PAB civilian trial board members a flat fee of $1,875 per trial board, but PAB members who serve on trial boards receive no additional compensation. The PAB requested the board consider whether PAB members should be compensated for this extra duty. Ms. Mitchell noted that there were six trial boards in the past year, with one PAB member serving on five of them due to scheduling constraints.

Discussion Items

• Police Accountability Board Trial Board Compensation: Commissioners discussed whether PAB members serving on trial boards should receive the same $1,875 per trial board as non-PAB civilians. Several commissioners supported paying per meeting based on attendance, noting that the workload is significant (some trials last a full day or longer) and that the current arrangement is inequitable. The board also noted that attendance-based pay should apply broadly to encourage participation.
• Orphans’ Court Compensation: The board reviewed the increased workload and mandatory continuing education requirements for Orphans’ Court judges. The judges now handle an average of 97 matters per month (meeting once per week) and are required to attend an annual statewide conference (expanded to 2–3 days). Current compensation is $13,500 for the chief judge and $13,000 for associate judges, with a $500 travel stipend. Commissioners debated whether to increase the travel stipend or add the amount to base salary. They ultimately decided to add $1,000 to the base salary rather than increase the travel stipend.
• Board of Electrical Examiners: The board noted that the Electrical Examiners had previously stated they are satisfied with their current compensation, so no changes were recommended.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Lyons moved to accept the revisions and changes discussed in the last 15 minutes. The chair seconded the motion. The motion passed (no formal tally was recorded, but no opposition was voiced).
• Specific Recommendations Adopted:
  • Police Accountability Board Trial Board (PAB members serving as civilians): $1,875 per trial board, based on attendance (same as non-PAB civilians).
  • Orphans’ Court Judges: Increase chief judge salary to $14,850 (from $13,850) and associate judge salary to $14,250 (from $13,250), retaining the $500 travel stipend. (These figures reflect a $1,000 increase over the previously proposed amounts of $13,850 and $13,250.)
  • Board of Electrical Examiners: No change (existing compensation deemed fair).
• The board directed staff (Ms. Weshler) to compile the final report, which is due by close of business Monday, December 1, 2025 (or an extension if needed), for submission to the County Commissioners.
• The meeting adjourned with a motion and second.